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Brian Baker takes another step in recovery from knee injury

Brian Baker injured his knee during his second-round match at the Australian Open. (Andrew Brownbill/AP)

Brian Baker is hoping to resume practicing at full speed in two to three weeks after being sidelined since tearing the meniscus in his right knee during his second-round match at the Australian Open in January.

"Well, I finally got the good news I have been waiting to hear," Baker wrote for USA Today in his latest dispatch about his recovery. "My doctor has basically cleared me to do all movements and exercises.

"He says that my meniscus should be strong enough to start pushing the envelope with my training on and off the court. I will probably continue to have some soreness in the knee as I start upping my movement on the court, but it feels great to be able to begin playing some 'real tennis.'"

Baker said he would have a better idea of when he could return to the tour after practicing at a normal clip. The 27-year-old American is ranked No. 59. He emerged last season as one of tennis' biggest surprises after missing six years with various injuries, reaching the final at the Open de Nice and the fourth round at Wimbledon as a qualifier in both events.